Myrtus communis aka Myrtle
Taxonomy
Myrtus communis, or the common myrtle, is a versatile and beautiful evergreen shrub that is native to southern Europe, North Africa, Western Asia, Macaronesia, and the Indian Subcontinent. It is also cultivated worldwide and can live up to 300 years in the wild. With its dense top, dark green leathery leaves, and white five-petaled flowers with many stamens, it has been used symbolically and ritually for thousands of years to represent honor, justice, prosperity, generosity, hope, love, and happiness. In Greco-Roman mythology, numerous gods were associated with the common myrtle and its flowers, such as Aphrodite and Demeter. Common myrtle is also a key part of various Jewish traditions and is one of the four species used in the festival of Sukkot, and the Bible records its use in purification ceremonies. During the Renaissance, it came to be best known as a symbol of love, which led to the ongoing tradition of the flower as part of the wedding bouquet. This low-maintenance shrub can be shaped and molded as desired and can be used for fences or ornamental gardens. It is fast-growing at the beginning of its life and will slow down after a few years. Its leaves can be crushed for a fragrant essential oil, and it has medicinal and culinary applications. The berries that follow the flowers are edible, and when dried, they are used as a food flavoring. Oils obtained from the bark, flowers, and leaves are used in skin care products. Common myrtle's white flowers have a long tradition of walking brides down the aisle and continue to bring joy and beauty to gardens worldwide.
Common names
Myrtle, Common Myrtle, Greek Myrtle, True MyrtleHow to care for Myrtle
Difficulty
If you're an experienced gardener looking to push your limits, Myrtle will provide you with a rewarding and challenging experience.
Water
Myrtle should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Myrtle loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Myrtle thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your True Myrtle.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Myrtle plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Fertilizer
Once the Myrtle has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Myrtle’s native range is S. Europe to W. Asia.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Myrtus Genus
